DANGEROUS GOODS DECLARATION IN RESPECT OF INTERNATIONAL CARGO TRANSPORTATION FROM THE USA

Dangerous Goods Declaration in shipping from the USA by sea is a document prepared by a consigner (international shipper) in order to certify that the transporting from the USA dangerous goods are packaged, labeled, and declared complying with standards in international cargo transportation by sea. Samples of Shipper's Declaration forms for international shipping from the USA are widely available online.

Here is a sample of Dangerous Goods Declaration Form used in international shipping from the USA. Click on the image below to maximize this Dangerous Goods Declaration Form in a new window.

If an international sea freight shipment contains any Dangerous Goods, even a small part of the cargo, then the shipper must to identify, classify, package, mark, label and complete documentation for dangerous goods transporting from the USA according to all national and international governmental regulations on international shipping of Dangerous Goods. Failure to do so could create hazardous conditions on the sea freight vessel and result in administrative fines and penalties under applicable laws.

If you are unsure whether your commodity meets the criteria on shipping of dangerous goods from the USA or which identification of hazardous goods and classification applies to your international shipment, then the easiest way to begin is to contact the U.S. Department of TRANSPORTATION at 1-800-467-4922. You also may contact a manufacturer of your goods in order to identify ether your international shipment contains dangerous goods or not. If yes, then gather essential information to prepare your Dangerous Goods Declaration to ship from the USA by sea.

Note: International shipments transshipping through the USA that require Shipper's Declarations will also need a 24-hour emergency-response telephone number.

Note: Most international sea freight carriers will NOT approve dangerous goods shipping from the USA other than IMO Classes 3, 8 & 9. International transportation of dangerous goods by sea other than classes 3, 8 & 9 require international sea freight carriers with specialized equipment used to transport dangerous goods of particular classes.

Concerning international cargo transportation from the USA by sea, many dangerous goods are incompatible with other substances. They may react with other dangerous goods shipping internationally or chemicals, or with apparently harmless substances, such as dust, air or water. Dangerous goods can easily come into contact with incompatible substances through spillage or leakage and may liberate toxic gases, or cause a fire or an explosion. It is a legal requirement that international shipping dangerous goods not compatible with other substances are stored and handled separately so that a loss of containment or interaction cannot cause a serious incident. This can be achieved by the use of an impervious barrier or a suitable separation distance.

If dangerous goods prior/during its international shipping from the USA have to be segregated by the carrier, then the consigner/international shipper must furnish a HOLD HARMLESS LETTER under consigner’s letterhead.

HOLD HARMLESS LETTER must clearly state that:

International sea freight carrier and other parties involved in the segregation will NOT be responsible for any damages, loss of cargo, etc. when the global sea freight carrier/warehouse does the segregation.

Instructions on precisely what is to be segregated and

The international shipper guarantees to pay to the international sea freight carrier segregation charges.